Burien Little Theatre's 2006-2007 season opened last weekend with the French comedy Art by Yasmina Reza.

BLT's opening production is a success, thanks to both a wonderfully humorous script and admirable acting. As modern art-lover Serge, Thomas Kelly is an 11th hour replacement for another actor who suddenly had to depart for personal reasons. While on board for less than weeks, Kelly still carries his script during his scenes.

BLT audiences will hardly notice, as Kelly fills Serge's shoes nicely.

Bruce Erickson's Marc is hotheaded but surprisingly vulnerable. Seen in last season's Angry Housewives, Erickson displays his wide range as a performer as the aeronautical engineer who finds his relationship with his close friend threatened by a white canvas painting.

Perhaps the emotional and comic glue that holds this brisk-paced show together is Ian Gerrard as the emotionally overwrought Yvan.

Steve Cooper designs yet another eye-catching set, Eric Dickman brings a pleasing French soundtrack together, and director Maggie Larrick deftly choreographs this witty dance of words and ideas.

Reza's story and BLT's production is a fine piece of art. Perhaps not quite like a white canvas with white stripes, but you get the idea.

Art runs weekends through Oct. 1, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for general admission and $15 for students, seniors and all Sunday admissions. Friday, Sept. 15, is "5 buck Friday," with audiences being asked to pay what they can. A minimal donation of $5 is being requested.

Aya Takechi volunteers her time with the Burien Little Theatre. However, she was not part of the production team for "Art."